Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that leads to the curling of the fingers and may result in crippling hand deformities. It affects the facia, i.e. the fibrous tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers. People suffering from Dupuytren’s disease experience the fibers in the fascia tightening or contracting over time. This causes the fingers to be pulled inward. What are the symptoms of the disease? One of the prominent symptoms includes the development of small lumps and nodules in the palm. While these may feel tender and sore in the beginning, the discomfort goes away over time. The disease progresses slowly, and as the condition worsens, the nodules lead to the formation of tough bands of tissue under the skin. These bands then cause the fingers to bend and curl forward, making it difficult for one to perform daily activities. It is important to be aware of such symptoms and get them treated before they worsen and hinder one’s lifestyle. Some of the methods to treat Dupuytren’s contracture are mentioned below: Non-surgical methods These methods are usually recommended for early stages of Dupuytren’s disease. Some doctors recommend stretching the fingers and palms in mild stages of the condition. One is also advised to consult a physiotherapist before using any stretching exercise to treat the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications These medications are injected into a Dupuytren’s module to reduce swelling. The treatment requires multiple doses of injection to considerably reduce the size of nodules and might not prove to be effective in the later stages, when more thickened tissues have been formed. Anti-inflammatory injections can slow the progression of the disease but will not help in uncurling the fingers if the contracture has already occurred. Enzyme medications If the fingers have become bent already, the doctors may recommend a mixture of enzymes to be injected in the affected area.

As we age, the body naturally begins to develop wrinkles on most parts of the body including the hands, face, and neck. The process is much likely to be noticed in areas that are exposed to the sun. Wrinkles are most seen post the age of 40 years as the skin loses its moisture and becomes thinner. Most people are highly concerned about wrinkles in the area around the eye. The most apparent cause of this development is sun exposure, however, several other factors such as smoking, and an unbalanced diet too can be contributors. There are several forms of medical treatments that can be employed to combat the development and reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles. However, you can also resort to several home remedies that have been found to be effective for this reason. Here are some effective natural ways that you must try before you arrive at which one works best for you: Consume probiotics Probiotics have been found to have the best effect on the reduction of wrinkles and boosting the health of the skin, overall. Probiotics are abundantly found in yogurt. However, they can also be consumed through formulated supplements. Some studies prove the good effects of probiotics when it is regularly applied to the skin as it reduces the level of sun damage. Consumption of vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and helps in the creation of collagen in the skin. There are numerous foods that are abundant in Vitamin C and they include rosehips, chili peppers, fruits, vegetables, kale and more. Vitamin C can also be applied topically through gels that are only formulated with nutrient and no additional ingredients. Olive oil massage Massage is believed to be one of the best ways to reduce under-eye wrinkles naturally.

Diabetes is recorded to affect millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, the widespread of this condition doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing, and the only way to deal with it is through effective control. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively transport sugar from the blood to the cells. If left unchecked, it can turn deleterious over the years, leading to the development of several other conditions. It is essential to seek medical help and undergo the right treatment when affected by diabetes. This includes the use of medications like metformin and insulin injections. While medical intervention is usually necessary for diabetes, there are several natural home remedies and measures that can be used to show promise in treating the same. Stay well-hydrated Water plays a key role when keeping blood sugar levels under control. It prevents dehydration and aids in flushing out excess blood sugar from the urine. There are some studies that point at how people who drank more amount of water daily had a reduced risk of developing unhealthy blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of water effectively hydrates the blood and keeps blood sugar levels in check. Keep stress levels in check Stress has a highly negative impact on the levels of blood sugar. In times of excessive stress, hormones such as glucagon and cortisol can cause an immediate spike in the blood sugar levels. Stress can be reduced using several measures such as mindful meditation and daily relaxation. Quality sleep Today, most people lead a lifestyle that has a direct effect on sleep quality. Poor sleeping habits, late sleeping hours, and not getting enough rest can affect blood sugar levels and trigger diabetes. Additionally, improper sleeping habits can increase appetite and bring about unhealthy weight gain. One must get enough quality sleep every night to ensure optimum health.

5 natural remedies to treat hair loss in children We often associate hair loss only with adulthood. However, even young children can suffer from hair loss. The reasons for this can be many including alopecia areata, Tinea capitis or scalp ringworm, Trichotillomania, and vitamin deficiency, among others. Getting medical help is the best recourse. However, there are also supplementary hair care methods you can try at home to care for your kid’s mane. Here are some easy and natural remedies to treat hair loss in kids. Coconut oil massage Your child might complain about the messy feel of having coconut oil on their scalp. This might have stopped you from trying out this natural remedy. However, coconut oil works to fight hair loss in children. It is natural and free from side effects. It gently replenishes the lost hydration in the scalp and stimulates the growth of new hair strands. Onion juice pack Although the thought of having onion juice on the scalp might sound unappealing, studies have proven that it is highly effective in fighting hair loss and promoting the growth of new hair. In fact, a study on onion juice showed that people suffering from alopecia areata benefitted greatly from daily application of this juice to their scalp. Research indicates that sulfur present in the onion juice helps promote hair growth. Selenium supplements When it comes to hair loss supplements, many doctors recommend supplements that contain selenium. This nutrient helps keep the hair healthy and also strengthens hair follicles. If you don’t prefer giving supplements to your child, you could try making sure they get natural sources of selenium in their diet. Beans and peas, soy products, and Brazil nuts contain selenium. A healthy diet Any hair care specialist would stress on the fact that eating a nutritious diet is crucial for hair care.

Contributing factors for hepatitis in children The liver is the body’s largest organ. It is a vital help in digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins. Hepatitis is described as a condition where the liver experiences inflammation, which is, essentially, a tissue’s reaction to injury or irritation. Most cases of hepatitis are a result of being infected with viruses, and the types of hepatitis are named after the virus that is responsible for it. In some cases, the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, which leads to liver damage, among many other liver issues. Any of the types of hepatitis can affect people of all ages. Here are some contributing factors that lead to hepatitis in children. Understanding these can help in preventing the transmission and in maintaining hygiene: Hepatitis A The virus that causes hepatitis A is usually present in fecal matter. It can infect children in the following ways: Eating food cooked by an infected person who failed to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom Drinking water that has been contaminated by infected feces Coming into direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s feces Traveling to areas with a common occurrence of hepatitis A Infections during blood transfusions Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through blood and the most common way in which people contract this type is when an infected person’s blood is introduced into another person’s bloodstream. Getting injured through needle sticks and sharp instruments can also lead to hepatitis B. Another common way through which people contract hepatitis B is by sharing items of personal use like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. If an expecting mother has hepatitis B, her baby may develop the illness. Children can contract this disease through cuts, scrapes, and different types of contact.

4 natural remedies to treat hair loss in men Hair loss is an extremely common problem faced by people as they age. While it is normal to lose around 100 strands of hair a day, anything more than that signals a problem. It is difficult to know exactly how many strands are being shed, so noticing clumps of hair on your pillow or in your sink drain are warning signals. And waiting till you see a receding hairline is definitely not recommended. If you are facing hair loss, you need to seek urgent treatment in the preliminary stages to prevent baldness. Along with proper medical care, here are some easy natural remedies that have proven effective to treat hair loss in men. Take vitamin supplements Hair loss is often linked to some nutritional deficiency. If you suffer from hair loss, then get yourself checked for any kind of deficiency. For most people, a deficiency of vitamins A, B7, and E lead to hair loss. The best way to add vitamins to your diet is through food. But for added nutrition, you can ask your doctor for suggesting vitamin supplements. Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin and helps in hair growth. Vitamin A encourages sebum production and vitamin E promotes blood circulation in the scalp. Get an oil massage An oil massage is the best way to stimulate healthy blood circulation to the scalp. It also helps hair follicles remain active. You can add a few drops of essential oil to your regular massage oil. Essential oils that are good for hair growth include lavender, rosemary, thyme, and peppermint. Stay hydrated through the day Sometimes the key to healthy hair is really as simple as drinking enough water through the day. In fact, if you do not get as much water as your body needs, you might face many health problems including hair loss.

5 effective home remedies for amyloidosis Amyloidosis is a condition in which the body is unable to process the protein amyloid correctly. Excess amyloid gets distributed through the body and can often impair organ health and functioning. Amyloidosis affects people in different ways depending on which organ is impacted. The different types of amyloidosis are renal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal amyloidosis. There is no known cure for this condition, but it can be managed with a balance of home remedies and medicines. Here are five effective home remedies to help control the symptoms of amyloidosis. Heart-healthy foods The heart is one of the main organs that gets impacted by improper protein processes in the body. Thus, it is essential to follow a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet for heart health. Foods that are good for your heart include green leafy vegetables, avocados, walnuts, tomatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, garlic, onions, and dark chocolate. Also, make sure to get sufficient potassium in your diet through bananas, oranges, prunes, and dried fruit. Omega-3 diet Including these healthy fatty acids in your diet prevent complications from amyloidosis from reaching the heart and affecting the circulatory system. Omega-3 can be found in walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and linseed oil. Compression stockings Water retention from amyloidosis can lead to severe swelling in the legs and feet. This swelling is often accompanied by severe pain. Wearing compression stockings can go a long way in relieving this pain. You can request your doctor to recommend the best compression stockings suited to you. Alternatively, try to get foot massages done regularly. These will help to improve blood circulation in the affected areas. Many online shopping sites offer foot massage machines for purchase. Rest adequately Getting adequate rest is often overlooked and yet this is a crucial component of managing the symptoms of amyloidosis.

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

Diet options that help ease constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult and infrequent (less than 3 times a week). Constipation can be prevented by following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Constipation mostly occurs when there is an insufficient intake of water and fiber. The symptoms of constipation are bloating in the stomach, dry and hard stools, and difficulty in emptying bowels. Thankfully, constipation can be cured by correcting your eating habits. Some foods that help relieve constipation are: Fruits Fruits are abundant with dietary fiber which helps relieve one from the symptoms of constipation. Along with the goodness of fiber, fruits are also filled with vitamins and other nutrients that benefit the body in various ways. Fruits like kiwi, pineapples, berries, apricots, papaya, figs, peaches, plums, grapes, pears help improve one’s bowel movement. Flax seeds Flax seeds are filled with a high amount of fiber, along with other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help in easy bowel movements. These flax seeds can be added to a variety of dishes like salads, oatmeal, milkshakes, etc. Vegetables To obtain a high amount of fiber content in our body, it is advised to eat vegetables every day. Just like fruits, vegetables are a natural source of fiber along with nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, fat, proteins, etc. There is a proven record that vegetables and fruits help our body function better when consumed regularly. Whole grains Refined products such as white rice and flour increase the chances of constipation. Replace these refined products with whole grain products to see a great difference in your bowel movements. Whole grains are a rich source of dietary fibers, and Arabinoxylan is the main component which helps ease constipation. This also helps with weight loss. Overall, it helps you have a healthy lifestyle.

The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that 80 million men and women in the country suffer from hereditary hair loss, one of the most common types of hair loss. On a positive note, hair loss can be stopped or reduced considerably with certain changes in hair treatment or the diet. Certain foods can promote hair growth and improve the quality of hair, and healthy hair in men also increases their confidence. Here are the best foods to promote healthy hair growth in men: Eggs Eggs are an amazing source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that can promote hair growth. Hair follicles are made up of protein and biotin is known to promote keratin, which is responsible for hair growth. Green leafy vegetables Dark leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in iron and can contribute to hair growth. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, making iron an important nutrient to be incorporated into the daily diet. Iron is also found in red meat like beef, but one should keep in mind that eating too much red meat can increase the risk of developing heart diseases due to their high fat content. Salmon Fish like salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats like these help in keeping the hair lush and healthy. These fatty acids are also known to help activate the sebaceous glands in the scalp, which, in turn, promotes a healthy scalp and healthy hair. Shrimp, sardines, green beans, almonds, and walnuts are some other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These items can be included in meals or snacks as these are some of the best foods for healthy hair growth in men. Carrots Carrots are rich in vitamin-A, which promotes cell growth. They also encourage sebum production in the scalp, which results in better hair growth and reduced chances of dry scalp.

Is your pet pooch scratching and itching itself? Does it have a poor coat quality and does it suffer from frequent ear infections? What you’re feeding your beloved dog could be adding to its distress if you don’t know what he or she is allergic to. Today, food allergies are a rising common concern among dog owners, with more and more dogs seeming to suffer from them. Here’s all you need to know about dog food allergies: Common triggers Sometimes, allergies are a genetic problem, and when they are triggered, it is because the dog is exposed to the allergen in some or the other way. Some of the common allergens include fish, rabbit, pork, soy, lamb, chicken, egg, wheat, dairy, and beef. Usually, dogs are allergic to more than one of the above. Allergies are caused due to multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environment, whatever the immune system is exposed to when the dog is a puppy. Dog breeds and allergies There are certain breeds that are more prone to food allergies. However, it also differs from country to country, or even different regions in the same country. According to research, breeds that are more commonly affected are Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, German Shepherds, and Retrievers. Diagnosing food allergies The only method to diagnose food allergies in dogs accurately is via an elimination challenge and diet. The dog needs to be taken off of all the food it was eating and needs to be put on a diet it has never had before. Once the dog’s health improves, begin reintroducing the old foods which could have caused the allergies earlier. If the dog suffers from a reaction, then you will know that it has a food allergy. Other specific testing methods include testing a discharge sample from the ears or skin testing.

Consuming healthy bacteria must be a part of an everyday lifestyle, and for all the good reasons such as boosting immunity, metabolism, and mental health and for the overall physical well-being. Indeed, both the good and bad bacteria live in our digestive system, and this balance affects almost all functions of our health. Now, this can be both positive and negative that could upset your gut in the form of an illness or an infection. All you need is to increase your probiotic intake to restore your digestion process and maintain a balanced intestinal system. Herein, we discuss the best probiotic foods you must eat for a healthy. Yogurt This dairy food has the best strains of bacteria that ease one’s digestive system. And in today’s scenario, you would find several brands that promote probiotic yogurt specifically designed to meet digestive needs. You could tweak it by adding some fruits or toasted oats for that extra flavor. You must ensure that it does not have any sugar, addictive and preservatives. Kefir You will find a hoard of flavors available in the market, and it’s probably the finest fermented milk drink for it has the best strains of friendly bacteria. The good news is that people with lactose intolerance can easily consume this drink with much ease. Kimchi This is one fermented vegetarian dish that is packed with vitamins A and C and has the best anti-inflammatory properties. You can consume this as a side dish or eat with a bowl of rice or noodles to perk it up. Fermented cheese You could easily add cheese to your daily regime intake for that extra dose of probiotics. Mozzarella and regular cheddar cheese are good to go as they have live strains of healthy bacteria. Also, you could look for cheeses that have labels for active cultures.